Indus Waters Treaty obligations once again came under question after India avoided following the official protocol and instead notified Pakistan about recent flood threats through its high commission. The move has drawn attention to how cross-border water sharing arrangements are being handled at a time when Punjab is facing its worst flooding in 40 years.
Officials in Islamabad confirmed that the communication came via diplomatic channels rather than through the structured process set under the treaty. Critics argue that such actions not only create uncertainty but also undermine the effectiveness of long-standing agreements designed to prevent misunderstandings over water flows.
India avoids the treaty protocol again
According to reports, Pakistan’s flood monitoring authorities received information about expected flood surges in the Indus and its tributaries through the Indian High Commission. The message, however, bypassed the official framework of the Indus Waters Treaty, which requires formal sharing of river data and flood warnings.
This development comes at a time when heavy rains and glacial melts have already caused widespread flooding across several districts. As highlighted in recent coverage on Punjab’s devastating floods, large areas remain inundated and relief operations are under immense strain.
Key details from officials:
- Punjab is witnessing its worst flooding in four decades.
- Rescue operations are ongoing across multiple riverine areas.
- Thousands of people have been displaced, with homes and farmland destroyed.
- Concerns are mounting that irregular notifications from India could hinder timely responses.
Experts note that while the Indus Waters Treaty has survived several conflicts between the two countries, deviations from its framework risk weakening its role. They emphasize that water-related communication must remain transparent and reliable, especially during natural disasters when every hour matters.
Analysts also believe that India’s repeated avoidance of treaty protocols could add pressure to bilateral relations. For Pakistan, where communities are struggling against one of the harshest floods in decades, clarity and timeliness of such alerts are crucial for saving lives and property.
Authorities have urged that both nations recommit to treaty obligations to prevent disasters from escalating. The ongoing crisis has once again highlighted the need for strengthening regional cooperation on water and climate resilience.
